What are the psychological reasons behind lying and telling elaborate stories?

Look for inconsistencies in their story. If details change from one telling to another, it could be a sign of lying.

Hurt pride is another reason. When a friend makes fun of or humiliates another friend in public, the humiliated friend might want revenge to restore their pride. Let's say a friend laughs at another's appearance in front of a group. The one who was laughed at might then try to get back at the other by revealing an embarrassing secret. Also, feelings of betrayal play a role. If a friend breaks a promise or shares a secret that was supposed to be kept, the wronged friend may seek revenge as a way to cope with the pain of the betrayal. They might distance themselves and also start talking badly about the betrayer to mutual friends.

Isolation also plays a role. When held captive, especially in cases where the captive is isolated from the outside world for long periods, they become more dependent on their captors for basic needs such as food, water, and communication. This dependence can lead to the development of Stockholm Syndrome. For example, in the case of the Austrian woman held in the cellar, her isolation made her more vulnerable to forming an attachment to her captor. The captor became her only source of human interaction, so she started to bond with him despite the horrible situation.

One reason could be curiosity. People are often curious about aspects of human sexuality that they may not experience directly in their own lives. Another factor might be escapism. Reading such stories allows them to enter a fictional world where they can explore different scenarios and emotions related to sex in a somewhat detached way.

The psychological reasons are complex. In Munchausen by proxy true stories, the perpetrator often has a personality disorder. They may be narcissistic, wanting the attention and admiration that comes with taking care of a sick child. There could also be a need to feel special or important. By having a sick child, they are in a unique situation that sets them apart from others. Additionally, some may have a history of being neglected or overlooked, and this is their way of getting noticed, albeit in a very harmful way to the child.

One reason is to make a character in a story more believable. If a character has a detailed back story, readers or viewers can better understand their motives and actions.

Often, it can be a sense of justice. Kids learn about right and wrong at an early age, and if they've broken a rule, they may feel that a spanking is the just consequence. They might have seen other kids being punished for similar things and think it's only fair for them to be punished too. Also, it could be a form of self - regulation. By asking for a spanking, they are trying to control the situation and show that they can take responsibility for their actions. However, it's crucial to approach this behavior with care and understanding, as children's psychological states are complex.

Sometimes, it could be due to a rebellion against social norms. If a woman has grown up in a very conservative environment where sex is a taboo topic, she might be drawn to sex stories out of a sense of curiosity and a desire to break free from the constraints placed on her. She may see these stories as a way to explore her own sexuality that has been repressed for so long.

One reason could be dissatisfaction in the relationship. If a wife feels unloved, unappreciated, or neglected sexually or emotionally by her husband, she might be more prone to seek attention elsewhere. For example, if there's a lack of communication in the marriage and she has certain unmet needs, she may look for someone who can fulfill them.

Maybe she's trying to be shocking or get attention. Some people like to push boundaries and stir up reactions by sharing such personal and often taboo stories.